Almost three-quarters (74 per cent) of technology start-ups are planning to create new employment opportunities this year, a new survey reveals.

The poll of 304 US-based enterprises by SVB Financial Group indicated business conditions are slowly improving and start-ups are generally optimistic, expanding and hiring new workers.

"In our nearly 30 years working with startups, we've seen entrepreneurs and innovative companies lead the way out of down cycles more than once," SVB Financial Group and Silicon Valley Bank chief executive Ken Wilcox explained.

He added legislative and government support is needed to ensure emerging technology and life science companies can access the capital and talent needed to expand.

Individuals seeking IT jobs in the US may be particularly interested to learn that almost one in four firms questioned noted that access to talent poses a challenge to them.

Further IT skills shortages are also being seen in Australia, with Visa Bureau recently warning skilled specialists are in "great demand" in the country.